Meriter Services
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Physical Medicine & Rehab
Speech & Language Services for Children

Kidz Talk

SiblingsIn addition to traditional speech-language therapy described below, Meriter offers an innovative program called Kidz Talk.

Kidz Talk is a program that seeks to enhance speech, language and communication development for children of all ages. Classes are planned and taught by licensed speech-language pathologists specializing in communication development of children from infancy through adolescence.

Participating children attend a series of 8 classes that focus on a specific aspect of communication, such as understanding and expressing language, pronunciation of words, social communication skills, and reading/writing skills. In small groups of 3-6, children learn speech and language skills naturally by observing and interacting with peers.

The cost for an 8-week series is $260/child. If you have insurance through Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation, you may be eligible for a Good Health Bonus. No prescription is needed, and no evaluations or formal documentation is performed.

If you are interested in this class, please call (608) 417-6173 and ask to speak to Linda Hansen. The class times are variable depending on the age and individual needs of the children.
Scheduling an Appointment for Therapy
To schedule an appointment, call (608) 417-6173. Our hours of service are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Limited appointments are available after 4:30 p.m. for families with unique needs. If you are unable to attend please give us 24 hours notice. A physician's referral is required for most services.

Is Your Child Reaching Speech and Language Milestones?
Many parents wonder if their children are delayed in their speech. Learn more about Speech and Language Milestones.

Learn More About Children's Health
Visit our Children's Center in our Healthy Living section.

Speech and Language Therapy

Speech-language pathologists (informally known as speech therapists) evaluate and treat children who have problems with communication or swallowing.

Children should typically be seen by a speech pathologist if they have been diagnosed with a condition that may affect speech and language development, or if the parent has concerns that their child is not developing speech at a rate that is similar to his or her peers.

Speech pathologists typically use age-appropriate play activities to stimulate language development. The therapist may also model correct pronunciation and use repetition exercises to build speech and language skills.

Overcoming a speech or language delay takes time and effort, so parental involvement is crucial to a child's progress in therapy. Families are directly involved in setting goals, working with the child in therapy sessions, and continuing therapy at home.

Conditions That Can Affect Speech

Conditions that can affect speech and language development include:

  • Hearing Impairments

  • Developmental delays

  • Weak oral muscles

  • Birth defects such as cleft lip and palate

  • Motor planning (apraxia of speech)

  • Respiratory (breathing) problems

  • Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)

  • Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)

  • Psychological disorders

2/25/2008